Falls are a major cause of injuries for seniors. That’s why preventing falls needs to be part of every senior’s plan for aging in place. Family caregivers and senior home care providers can work together to assess safety risks and make a plan. Making some lifestyle changes can also help seniors to avoid experiencing a fall.
Wear Shoes Inside the House
Lots of people don’t like to wear shoes in the house, sometimes for cultural reasons but also because they don’t want to track dirt and grime from outside through the house. Those are valid concerns, but as seniors age it benefits them to have non-slip shoes with solid soles on to protect them from losing their balance or stumbling. Keeping one set of shoes for outdoors and another for inside-only might make all the difference in making that switch.
Talk with Their Doctors Regularly About Medication Side Effects
Medication side effects are a big fall risk, even when seniors have taken that medication for many years. It’s a good idea to remind seniors to talk with their doctors at least once a year about their medications, how they’re working, and whether side effects are changing or increasing. Addressing those changes quickly can help seniors avoid a fall because of medications.
Start an Exercise Routine
If their doctors agree that it’s safe for them to do so, seniors might want to consider starting an exercise plan. Jumping right into something complicated is going to be exhausting right out of the gate, but finding something they enjoy and gradually increasing their activity levels can make a huge difference in strength, energy levels, and balance. Something as simple as getting up and stretching then dancing to some favorite songs for a few minutes can be a great start.
Schedule Hearing and Vision Checks
Many seniors don’t realize how much their vision and hearing affect their ability to avoid a fall. If it’s been a while since one or both of these crucial senses were checked, now is the time to schedule a visit with a specialist. Ruling out conditions that affect vision and hearing helps seniors to stay healthier overall and hopefully avoid falling.
Work with Senior Home Care Providers
Elder care providers understand what it’s like for aging adults to have more trouble with mobility and to be scared of falling. They can help seniors to spot potential issues in their homes and address them. Senior home care providers can help with mobility, ensure that seniors use assistive devices when necessary, and that they have the support they need with daily tasks as well. Working with senior home care providers gives seniors someone they trust to watch for possible issues that they might have overlooked.
Avoiding even one fall is so important for aging adults. Every year millions of seniors experience a fall and have to deal with the effects of that injury for years to come. Senior home care providers can help aging adults make changes that help them stay safer in their homes as they continue to age in place.
If you are considering senior home care in The Heights, TX for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
At Your Side Home Care, provides exceptional home care assistance for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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